4 replies to this topic

[Toddy1985]

Hi

I am looking to go on safari in Kenya next March for my honeymoon and I want to buy a decent camera for for the trip.

I don't have much experience with cameras so any advice for a beginner would be great!

I'm looking to pay a max of £500 for the camera and all accessories but I'm not sure what would be best things to buy. Obviously I need something with a decent zoom, produces good quality images and isn't too complicated for a beginner but everytime I look at a camera there seem to be a few problems with each.

I've been looking at the Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR, and Panasonic Lumix FZ45 as they seem to have good reviews and a good zoom but I'm not sure if I need any other extras as well (lenses , filters etc). They also seem to have a couple of issues either with overheating, image quality or noise levels.

As I'm a beginner can anyone recommend any books to give me some basic knowledge?

One good piece of advice I have picked up is to buy it sooner rather than later so I can get some practice in.

Any advice on a camera or accessories would be really appreciated.


Thanks for your help

[dougsinnott]

For £500 you could buy one of the latest Superzooms like the Panasonic FZ100,packed with features,and,most importantly.as you're going on a Safari,a great 28X zoom lens,for really focussing up close on the wildlife.
It's very quick to focus and take pictures,can produce great A4 prints,and it also has a great HD movie function.
The large rear LCD is great for framing and focussing,and it's also much easier on the shoulder than a DSLR,and a bag full of expensive lenses(you wouldn't get much for £500!)
I have taken a DSLR kit on holiday in the past,and it soon becomes a bind,taking the fun out of your photography.
The Panasonic can also can take great macro closeups of any exotic plants or insects you come across,which would be ideal on your trip.

A Superzoom would be ideal for you,as there's no fumbling in changing lenses,unlike a DSLR,and you have a great wide angle,and a super telephoto Leica lens all built in.
I would recommend buying a spare battery,although you should get around 400 photos out of the battery before it needs recharging,but,on Safari,that will soon happen,and you might not be near a plug!
The Canon SX30,and the Fuji HS20 are also great"All-in-One Superzooms",but having tried them all,the Panasonic has the definite edge in speed of operation,and the functions on offer,more than enough for your Safari!


Hi

I am looking to go on safari in Kenya next March for my honeymoon and I want to buy a decent camera for for the trip.

I don't have much experience with cameras so any advice for a beginner would be great!

I'm looking to pay a max of £500 for the camera and all accessories but I'm not sure what would be best things to buy. Obviously I need something with a decent zoom, produces good quality images and isn't too complicated for a beginner but everytime I look at a camera there seem to be a few problems with each.

I've been looking at the Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR, and Panasonic Lumix FZ45 as they seem to have good reviews and a good zoom but I'm not sure if I need any other extras as well (lenses , filters etc). They also seem to have a couple of issues either with overheating, image quality or noise levels.

As I'm a beginner can anyone recommend any books to give me some basic knowledge?

One good piece of advice I have picked up is to buy it sooner rather than later so I can get some practice in.

Any advice on a camera or accessories would be really appreciated.


Thanks for your help

[jarcher697]

Well depending o how close you'll get to the animals you will need at least 300mm zoom lens I would say, maybe even 500mm but the bigger the more exspensive, have a look at Tamron lenses though as there considerably cheaper than the brands such as Nikon, Canon etc

[djj1947]

go for the canon powershot sx 30 is a fantastic camea and a super zoom for everything you need on your trip
look into it ,

[BOBWED]

Hi

I am looking to go on safari in Kenya next March for my honeymoon and I want to buy a decent camera for for the trip.

I don't have much experience with cameras so any advice for a beginner would be great!

I'm looking to pay a max of £500 for the camera and all accessories but I'm not sure what would be best things to buy. Obviously I need something with a decent zoom, produces good quality images and isn't too complicated for a beginner but everytime I look at a camera there seem to be a few problems with each.

I've been looking at the Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR, and Panasonic Lumix FZ45 as they seem to have good reviews and a good zoom but I'm not sure if I need any other extras as well (lenses , filters etc). They also seem to have a couple of issues either with overheating, image quality or noise levels.

As I'm a beginner can anyone recommend any books to give me some basic knowledge?

One good piece of advice I have picked up is to buy it sooner rather than later so I can get some practice in.

Any advice on a camera or accessories would be really appreciated.


Thanks for your help

I would second what DougSinnoff said. But, would add just a few things. I'd suggest you forget about a camera with interchangeable lenses. You'd have to know enough about photography by then to know which lens to use in which situation. Also, you'd have to fuss about maintaining it. Such as cleaning the sensor inside the camera which gets dirty when changing lenses. There is a category of camera called travel zooms. That is the category you want to look into for your camera. The long lens cameras Doug mentioned are called bridge cameras. They are much larger in physical size with longer focal length lenses (that is, they can reach out further to capture the scene). You can google the terms "travel zoom cameras" and "bridge cameras". Then you can see the differences. I want to add one more thing. Please, please. Before you buy off the net find the camera you've decided on somewhere in a store. Go there. Hold the camera. Feel how it feels in your hands and its weight. How it feels may seem silly. But, you'll be carrying it and holding it. You want something that feels good and friendly. Which would you prefer to walk holding? Your fiancee's hand or carrying a dead fish? I think you can see what I mean. Have a nice wedding, honeymoon, and life together. Your photography in Kenya is all about memories - 30 years from now. my best, BobWed